My Favorite Cowboy

by Donna Grant

  No, the truth was that he’d always secretly known that if a woman ever did find her way into his bed, he would’ve crossed into territory he wasn’t at all familiar with.

  And sure enough, that’s exactly where he was now.

  He didn’t backpedal or look for a way out, though. No, he found he wanted to explore this new territory.

  Not only had he had the most incredible sex with Audrey, he’d also been stupid and forgotten to use protection. Though it might have been too little, too late, they had rectified the situation the three other times they’d made love during the night.

  Then they’d had their first fight. Caleb had handled that very poorly, but when it came to his mother, he couldn’t deal with anything properly.

  When Audrey had stood before him, refusing to allow him to pass her, he’d wanted to toss her aside and get on with his day. Then, her arms had come around him, and everything within him had cracked.

  The only way he’d survived was by hanging onto her.

  But he hadn’t been able to say anything after that because Maddy had arrived and took Audrey away. Not that he blamed Audrey for going. It was her job—vacation or not. She had a skill that animals needed. Who was he to be angry that she had been taken from him?

  He walked into the room and picked up her clothes. Once they were collected, he folded each piece and put it into the bag that sat upon the bed.

  There was nothing else for him to do. Yet he found himself walking to his bedroom. The sight of the bed that they’d slept in and had sex on loomed large in the room. He thought about making it up, but he didn’t move from the spot inside the door.

  If only he’d stayed in bed that morning, things might be different. He might have had a run-in with his mother, but he would’ve been there when Audrey opened her eyes.

  Why hadn’t he stayed? Why had he left? The chores could’ve waited an hour or two.

  Had he left because he wasn’t ready for … whatever the next step was with Audrey? He’d never woken with a woman in his arms before. And he’d never looked into a female’s eyes first thing in the morning because he’d never allowed himself to get that close. He’d had that—and missed out.

  He recalled the feeling of Audrey in his arms when they fell asleep. Waking up next to her had been absolutely amazing. He wanted another chance to gaze into her eyes in the morning light and make love to her before they started their day.

  But would he get that chance?

  Caleb couldn’t look at the bed anymore. He turned but halted immediately when he saw Brice. He didn’t know how long his brother had been standing there, but it didn’t matter.

  “I saw Maddy and Audrey leave.”

  Caleb glanced at the floor and nodded. “Two horses need Audrey’s help.”

  “You good?”

  “I’ll be fine. I didn’t have to see Helen.”

  Brice drew in a quick breath. “I was referring to Audrey.”

  “She told me that you threatened to call the cops on Helen. I wish I’d have been there to see that.” Caleb didn’t want to talk about Audrey, and he hoped his brother would take the hint.

  For several long moments, Brice stared at him. “Helen wants to see you. She wants to see all of us.”

  “Not going to happen.”

  “She’ll be back. You know that, right?”

  Caleb shrugged. “Perhaps it’s time I put up the gate and use a code to get in. That’ll keep her out.”

  “Not on my side.”

  “Then put your own damn gate up.”

  Brice shook his head slowly. “I don’t want to see our mother either, but she’s here.”

  “So?”

  “You won’t be able to dodge her for long.”

  Caleb’s brow shot up. “Are you telling me you’re going to talk to her?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, I’m not. There’s nothing you can say to me that will make me change my mind.”

  “I’m not going to force you to do anything. Neither is Abby.”

  “Damn straight,” Caleb stated. “I wiped my hands of that woman when she left.”

  Brice’s lips flattened briefly. “We both know that statement is a lie.”

  “If I see her on my property, I’ll consider it trespassing and call Danny to arrest her. You tell her that when you see her.”

  “Caleb,” Brice called.

  But he was done listening. He turned and stormed from the house.

  Chapter 29

  Audrey winced when she got to her feet and straightened her back after hours of being bent over. She and Patty, along with Maddy and some other volunteers at the rescue center, had worked tirelessly to try and save the dehydrated and starving horses.

  As Audrey had feared, the little filly hadn’t made it. Once the foal was gone, everyone put all their efforts into the mother. Audrey hadn’t realized how much time had passed since her arrival until she put her hands on her lower back and pushed out her chest to stretch it. That’s when she looked outside and saw that it was dark.

  “Good job,” someone said as they walked past her, slapping her on the arm.

  She nodded absently, her mind on Caleb. Audrey had half expected him to show up and check on her. It was silly really. It wasn’t as if he could text or call since she didn’t have her phone.

  It was at the ranch, along with her clothes. A perfect excuse to return and see Caleb. Why then did her stomach tie itself into such knots at the prospect?

  “Hey,” Maddy said as she walked up. She took one look at Audrey, and her face contorted into a deep frown. “What is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  “You’re a good liar to everyone else. Don’t forget, I’m your sister. I know you better than you know yourself.” Maddy moved in front of her and crossed her arms over her chest.

  Audrey glanced around her to make sure no one else was near to overhear. “I’m just thinking about … you know.”

  Maddy’s lips turned into a smile. “Ah. Him. That’s good. Isn’t it?” she asked, frowning again.

  “I don’t know. I left under odd circumstances.”

  “Want to tell me what happened?”

  Audrey motioned for her to follow, and they walked to the truck Maddy had driven. There, Audrey filled her in on what had occurred that morning at the ranch.

  She paused. That morning? It felt like a week ago.

  “Wow,” Maddy whispered. “That’s some situation.”

  “Right?” Audrey said, nodding her head. “And I just made it worse.”

  Maddy shrugged. “I think you made up for it in the end.”

  “I think I screwed it all up.”

  “The fact that you’re worried about it hours later is a change for you. Usually, you’ve forgotten the man’s name by now.”

  Audrey shoved her sister away and rolled her eyes. “You make me sound like some…” she hesitated, not wanting to say the word.

  “Like someone who likes sex? There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  “Yeah, well, that’s not how others think of it.”

  Maddy rolled her eyes dramatically. “Who cares what they think. It’s your life. You get to live it.”

  “Thanks.”

  “No problem. Now, tell me. How was the hot cowboy?” Maddy asked with a knowing smile.

  Audrey looked askance at her sister. “What? Just because I stayed the night, you think we slept together?”

  “Honey, let me put it to you this way. The looks passing between you two were hot enough to start a forest fire. So, yeah. I know the flames erupted once the two of you were alone. He looks like he knows his way around a woman’s body. He does, doesn’t he?”

  Audrey really tried not to smile, but she couldn’t hold it back. She nodded eagerly, little butterflies dancing in her stomach. “Oh, yeah. He really does.”

  “Made your toes curl, did he?” Maddy asked knowingly.

  “I’d have to say that’s an accurate assessment.”

  Maddy p
umped her fist in the air and wiggled her hips. “Damn, I’m good. I knew the two of you together would be something spectacular.”

  “We aren’t anything.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  Audrey blew out a breath. “One night of amazing sex doesn’t make two people a couple.”

  “I wish I had an argument, but I don’t. You’re right. Do you want something more with him?”

  Though Audrey hadn’t asked Maddy not to say Caleb’s name, her sister was perceptive of such things. Audrey didn’t like the question, and what’s more, she didn’t like the answer that popped into her mind.

  “Audrey,” Maddy pressed. “Why haven’t you answered me? Maybe because the reply is a bit scary?”

  “Why did you ask that?” The longer Audrey thought about it, the angrier she became.

  Maddy smiled sadly. “Because, honey, someone needed to, and you weren’t going to do it.”

  “I think I hate you.”

  “I love you, too. So, what’s the answer?”

  Audrey looked out over a field drenched in moonlight. “You know what it is.”

  “Say it. Out loud.”

  “Fine. I … might … want something more.”

  Maddy took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “About damn time.”

  “Funny. Look, I’m going to stay with the mare, but there’s no need for you to. I’m being guarded, remember? Take the truck and go back to the East Ranch.”

  Maddy was shaking her head before she finished. “Not happening. I’m staying with you.”

  Audrey wasn’t fooled. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at her sister. “You said yourself that someone is watching over me. You don’t need to worry.”

  Maddy shoved her thick hair out of her face. “For all your book smarts, sometimes, you can be pretty dense.”

  “That’s harsh.”

  “That’s what sisters are for.”

  “Riiiiiight.”

  Maddy moved closer, all teasing gone from her face, the expression replaced by something serious that made chills run down Audrey’s spine.

  “You don’t see it,” Maddy said. “You don’t understand that you’re so good at your job that others are jealous. They may not say or show it to your face, but trust me, they are.”

  Audrey wasn’t sure how to respond to such a statement. “There are enough horses in the area to keep everyone busy.”

  “That might be true, but how would you feel if you went for a job and were told that you were either their second or third choice? That they were only settling on you because the one they really wanted was already taken?”

  Audrey had to admit that it might make working difficult. “I see your point.”

  Maddy parted her lips to reply but paused.

  “Oh, no you don’t,” Audrey stated angrily. “You began this. You’re going to finish it. Tell me.”

  “Fine,” Maddy mumbled. “You want the truth. I’ll tell you what I overheard at the grocery store once. I didn’t see who it was. They were an aisle over from me, but the women were pissed. One of them knew an equine vet who had a job lined up, and then they were fired so the ranch could get you.”

  Audrey jerked back as if hit. “Which ranch?”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Maddy said.

  Audrey lifted a brow and stared down at her sister until she finally relented with a loud sigh.

  “Fine. It’s Bremer.”

  Somehow, Audrey had known it would be Robert. “He told me that he’d been without a vet for weeks. I can’t believe he lied to me.”

  “You’re the best vet.”

  “Stop saying that. I wish everyone would stop saying that,” Audrey said and turned around to walk away.

  Maddy followed her. “It’s the truth. Half of it is your skill, but the other half is your absolute love of the horses. You combine those two, and you’re fabulous.”

  “Others have those same skills.”

  “Not with your flare. And this is coming from me. You know I don’t pull any punches. If you sucked, I’d be the first to tell you.”

  Audrey gave a snort of laughter as she cut her eyes to Maddy. “Yes, you would.”

  “You need to be careful. Whoever is after you isn’t finished yet.”

  “The only way to stop me from working is to kill me.”

  Maddy’s lips twisted ruefully. “There are other ways to stop you.”

  The simple fact that Audrey was scared just proved how correct her sister was. She turned to go back into the stables to check on the mare. All Audrey could think about was Caleb and how she wished he were there. She wouldn’t be scared if he were beside her. If he were there, she knew that no one would get near her.

  “You’re thinking of him, aren’t you?” Maddy asked.

  Audrey nodded, not even bothering to try and lie.

  “Let’s go by there. Patty can watch the mare,” Maddy offered.

  Audrey didn’t reply until they reached the stall where the mare was. She was no longer lying down, but she wasn’t on her feet yet. The simple fact that she’d sat up was a huge achievement, but the worst part was that she kept neighing for her baby. She didn’t know yet that the foal had died.

  Maddy jerked her chin to the horse. “See? She’s doing better.”

  “If you need to go, I’ve got this,” Patty offered as she walked up.

  Audrey met the woman’s hazel eyes. Was Patty Audrey’s friend, or was she the frenemy her sister suggested? Regardless, Audrey knew Patty wouldn’t let the mare die. “I’ll be back. I just have something I need to do.”

  “I can handle this,” Patty said and flashed a smile.

  Audrey returned it, but now she was looking at everyone as a potential enemy. That wasn’t a good way to live. While she tried to work out the mechanics of this new problem, Maddy was all smiles as they went to the truck.

  “We need to get my vehicle and yours,” Audrey said.

  Maddy wrinkled her nose. “You’re right. Let’s head to the auction house first and get mine. We’ll take this back to Abby and Clayton and then go see Caleb.”

  “After we drop this truck off with Abby and Clayton, you’ll drive me to get mine, and then I’ll go see Caleb.”

  Maddy shot her a hurt look as she started the truck. “You don’t want me there?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “I’m hurt. You’ve actually ripped my heart out.”

  Audrey issued a bark of laughter. “Nice try. Not going to work.”

  Maddy was silent as they drove back to the road. After a few minutes, she asked, “Are you really okay with going back to the house after what happened?”

  Audrey felt like such an idiot for not thinking of what her sister had gone through. “I wasn’t there for it. You were. If you’re not ready, we can stay somewhere else.”

  “I like the idea of Caleb’s ranch.”

  Maddy’s smile was too bright, her voice too high-pitched. Audrey knew that she was putting on a brave face because she wouldn’t mention that going back to the house was the last thing she wanted to do. So Audrey would say it for her.

  “Honestly, I don’t think I can go back to the house yet. It’s too isolated from the road and the neighbors.” She used to like that, but now, all she could think about was someone closing in on her without anyone near to help.

  “I think that’s a good idea.”

  They turned up the radio, singing at the top of their lungs to their favorite Michael Bublé playlist until they reached the auction house. Audrey went in long enough to look over the horses just to make sure everything was indeed fine.

  Then she got into her SUV instead of Maddy’s car. She glanced at her sister to see Maddy’s angry expression. Audrey just laughed and started the engine. Immediately, she saw the screen say that the Bluetooth was connected to her phone.

  She looked over at the passenger seat and spotted not only her phone but the bag of clothes she’d brought to Caleb’s. If that didn’t tell her not to go
back, nothing would.

  Audrey’s smile faded, replaced by a feeling of dread so deep and profound that she could barely breathe. She jumped when Maddy honked the horn at her.

  Audrey’s hand shook as she lifted her cell phone and dialed her sister’s number because she wasn’t sure she could walk.

  “Audrey? What the hell? I thought you said your cell phone was at Caleb’s.”

  She swallowed, the sound as loud as a gunshot. “It was. Along with my bag. Both are in my truck.”

  “Ohhhhhh, shit.”

  “I … um … I’m going back to the rescue center.”

  Maddy quickly said, “Of course. I’ll have someone else bring me to get my car. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “Okay.” Audrey hung up, trying her best not to feel as if someone had yanked out her heart and stomped all over it.

  Chapter 30

  Caleb couldn’t remember a time that he’d been so exhausted. Everything hurt. He hadn’t worked so long or hard in years, but it had been done in an effort to not only forget that his mother was in town but also to help him stop thinking about Audrey.

  He shuffled into his house and stopped long enough to hang up his hat and peel his dirty clothes from his body before tossing the items into the laundry room as he made his way to his room and into the longest, hottest shower he could handle.

  For long minutes, he just stood beneath the spray, letting the water run over him. It didn’t matter if his eyes were shut or open, Audrey was always at the forefront of his thoughts. Even when he was working.

  But especially in the shower.

  He recalled every detail of their time together. Audrey’s smile, her laughter … her sighs of pleasure. The fact that he wished she were still there was a serious wake-up call.

  It would be easy for him to question his motives. Or even come up with reasons why he shouldn’t be with her—and there were many. Namely, his abandonment issues.

  Caleb leaned forward and braced his hands on the tile. His chin dropped to his chest, and the water ran down his back. All the ways he’d run away from women poured through his mind. How did he—someone who loved ’em and left ’em—ever have a hope of having a woman like Audrey in his life?